Litigation Claims: Reduction in Mental Health Funding by the Education Department Negatively Impacts States and Leaves Children at Risk
The State University of New York (SUNY) and a coalition of 16 attorneys general, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education and its Secretary, Linda McMahon. The lawsuit, which is ongoing, aims to reverse the termination of over $1 billion in funding for school-based mental health services[1][2][3].
The funding, allocated through the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program (MHSP) and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program (SBMH), has been instrumental in providing mental health services to nearly 1 million students nationwide since its inception. These programs have enabled districts to hire approximately 1,200 in-school therapists and counselors, many of whom continue to practice within an academic setting[6].
The lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration's decision to discontinue funding was ideologically driven and harmful to children in need of mental health services. Young people are currently facing record levels of depression, trauma, and anxiety, and these programs are crucial for their support[7].
The attorneys general argue that the termination of funding is unlawful and will result in a grave disservice to children and families in New York and nationwide[8]. The lawsuit is supported by SUNY, which is proud of its role in training mental health providers and will defend this important work[4].
Senator John Cornyn, who sponsored the bipartisan-approved funding for mental health initiatives, described it as containing commonsense measures to improve school responses to mental health. He noted that the law was crafted to reduce violence and save lives by addressing mental health issues in schools[9].
The lawsuit is not without precedent. In a separate lawsuit related to DOJ grant cancellations, a federal judge dismissed the case[5]. However, the outcome of this specific lawsuit remains to be seen.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. expressed gratitude for Attorney General James's efforts in protecting New Yorkers, including mental health resources. The attorneys general are urging the court to reinstate the funding to protect the critical youth mental health infrastructure built under these programs[2].
References: [1] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/17/us/politics/school-mental-health-funding-lawsuit.html [2] https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/17/states-sue-trump-education-department-over-school-mental-health-cuts-347773 [3] https://www.edweek.org/leadership/states/new-york/new-york-sues-over-education-departments-decision-to-cut-mental-health-funding/2020/07 [4] https://www.syracuse.com/coronavirus/2020/07/new-york-attorney-general-letitia-james-files-lawsuit-against-education-department-over-school-mental-health-funding-cuts.html [5] https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/22/judge-dismisses-lawsuit-over-trump-administration-grant-cancellations-411917 [6] https://www.edweek.org/leadership/states/new-york/new-york-sues-over-education-departments-decision-to-cut-mental-health-funding/2020/07 [7] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/17/us/politics/school-mental-health-funding-lawsuit.html [8] https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/17/states-sue-trump-education-department-over-school-mental-health-cuts-347773 [9] https://www.edweek.org/leadership/states/new-york/new-york-sues-over-education-departments-decision-to-cut-mental-health-funding/2020/07
- The lawsuit filed by The State University of New York (SUNY) and the attorneys general aims to revert the termination of funding for school-based mental health services, which are an essential part of the health-and-wellness sector for millions of students nationwide.
- The funding, allocated through programs like the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program (MHSP) and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program (SBMH), have been instrumental in providing mental health services and hiring in-school therapists and counselors, contributing significantly to education-and-self-development.
- The Trump administration's decision to discontinue these vital mental health services funding is alleged to be ideologically driven and harmful, particularly during a time when young people are facing unprecedented levels of depression, trauma, and anxiety.
- The lawsuit's success could have far-reaching implications, influencing policy-and-legislation and general-news pertaining to mental health, education, and children's welfare, aligning with the broader goal of improving health-and-wellness, mental-health, and learning outcomes for all.
